Solestial

Solestial develops and manufactures radiation-hardened silicon solar power modules for space. Its products include ultrathin, flexible silicon solar cells and integrated modules. A key innovation allows cells to self-cure radiation damage at operational temperatures, enhancing durability. This offers reliable power with cost advantages over traditional space solar.

Co-founders Stan Herasimenka and Mikhail Reginevich collaborated from 2011 on silicon solar technology, establishing Regher Solar in 2013. A 2015 NASA project showed ultrathin silicon's space potential. By 2018, observing satellite power demand, they pivoted to space solar technology, rebranding as Solestial in 2022.

Solestial supplies advanced solar solutions to commercial and government space customers. The company aims to enable extensive space development by delivering abundant, accessible energy. Through durable, cost-effective photovoltaics, Solestial seeks to eliminate energy constraints, fostering growth in space applications.

High-Level Overview

Solestial is a technology company developing advanced silicon photovoltaic products for space applications, including solar cells and flexible solar power modules that self-cure radiation damage.[1][3][4] These products serve commercial and government spacecraft operators, solving the challenge of radiation-induced degradation in harsh space environments by offering lower-cost, lightweight alternatives to traditional III-V multijunction solar cells with up to 10 years of durability in low Earth orbit.[1][3] The company has raised over $29M from investors like CrossCut Ventures, Global Brain, and Airbus Ventures, opened a manufacturing facility in Tempe, Arizona in 2023, doubled its workforce, and delivered products to dozens of customers, signaling strong growth momentum.[1][3]

Origin Story

Founded in 2013 as Regher Solar in Tempe, Arizona, Solestial evolved into its current form focusing on space-grade silicon photovoltaics.[1] Key founders include Co-Founder and CTO Stan Herasimenka, Co-Founder and Chief Engineer Mikhail Reginevich, CEO Margo de Naray, and COO Andy Atherton.[2] The idea emerged from engineering silicon solar cells to self-anneal radiation damage at low operating temperatures (as low as 65°C), leveraging commercial silicon wafers for cost-effective space power.[3][4] Early traction built through seed funding rounds totaling around $11.2M in September 2022, followed by a $15M Series A in May 2025, facility expansion in 2023, and commercial deliveries amid rising demand.[1][2][3]

Core Differentiators

• Self-Healing Technology: Ultrathin silicon heterojunction solar cells (20% efficiency in Generation 2 by 2026) uniquely self-cure radiation damage under sunlight at space operating temperatures, minimizing degradation over 10 years.[1][3][4]
• Cost and Manufacturing Advantages: Produced on automated machines from commercial silicon wafers, enabling lower costs than III-V multijunction cells; flexible, low-mass modules use polymer layers instead of heavy glass or substrates.[1][3]
• Flexible Packaging and Integration: Lightweight solar power modules (SPMs) integrate with rigid/flexible substrates or deployment systems, ready for spacecraft installation; supports satellite constellations to lunar applications.[3]
• Scalability and Reliability: Tempe facility scaling with workforce growth; partnerships for full solar arrays and deliveries to commercial/government customers.[1][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Solestial rides the boom in commercial space, including satellite constellations, human spaceflight, and deep-space infrastructure, where reliable, affordable power is critical amid proliferating launches and missions.[1][3] Timing aligns with declining launch costs and demand for scalable energy solutions, as traditional solar tech struggles with radiation in prolonged orbits.[4] Market forces like investor interest (e.g., space-focused VCs like Airbus Ventures) and customer pull from firms like Axiom Space favor its silicon-based paradigm shift, reducing reliance on expensive III-V materials.[2][3] It influences the ecosystem by enabling cheaper, longer-lasting power for New Space players, accelerating sustainable space economy development from LEO to lunar bases.[1][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Solestial is poised to dominate space solar with production ramps, Gen 2 cells launching in 2026, and deepening partnerships for integrated arrays.[3] Trends like mega-constellations, lunar economies, and radiation-hardened tech for deep space will propel growth, potentially capturing share from legacy providers as costs drop further.[1][4] Its influence may expand via ecosystem integrations and government contracts, solidifying silicon photovoltaics as the abundant energy backbone for space commercialization—echoing its mission to power tomorrow's orbital and beyond frontiers.[3][5]